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The Perfect Day For Your Dog In Chicago

April 13, 2012 6:00 AM

Photo credit: Chicago.whitesox.mlb.com

Chicago offers relaxing and fun adventures for singles, couples and families, and this city knows its pooches are part of those families. As the extra special member of your family, your dog deserves to be shown the same love he brings to you unconditionally each day. Plan the perfect Chicago day for your four-legged friend with the city’s best dog-friendly venues.

While in Chicago, you and your fur baby just can’t miss taking a romp at the Grace-Noethling Dog Park. Fondly known as Wiggly Field, this half-acre dog-friendly area was named one of the top 10 U.S. dog parks by Dog Fancy magazine readers because of its exercise and play area. Wiggly Field comes equipped with a doggy agility course to put your pooch’s agility to the test while allowing them to still have fun. Dog lovers appreciate that it comes fully stocked with doggy bags to clean up messes, keeping the park clean and poo off the bottom of puppy parents’ shoes. The park provides ample running water, a time-out section for dogs who need quiet downtime, and during the summer there is a little kiddy pool for the dogs to take a dip and cool off. You must visit a participating vet for a full health check to register to use the Chicago parks.

Every dog deserves a stylish product or two. At Barker & Meowsky, find a huge selection of exclusive products including dog apparel, collars, beds, toys, pet carriers and even personalized products. Find enrichment and interactive toys to keep your dog’s body and mind busy and active. It even has toys built from durable materials designed to last longer and keep your little chomper’s chompers engaged. For the dog and cat lovers in your life, Barker & Meowsky carries breed-specific gifts and home décor items.

Once a year, take the opportunity show your dog Comiskey Park for the Chicago White Sox Dog Day. The left field bleachers are reserved for dog owners to take a seat, get their dogs settled and enjoy the game. Dog day events may include the opportunity for dogs and owners to get on the field, munch on doggy bags filled with treats and enjoy special grassy areas for playtime and potty breaks. All dogs must be pre-registered in order to enter U.S. Cellular Field. Contact Mary Weiss at MWeiss@chisox.com or (312) 674-5244 to receive an application.

All well-behaved dogs are welcome in the newly renovated patio section at Chicago Joe’s. Well known in the neighborhood for its famous ribs and seafood, dine in style with your furry friend. While sneaking nibbles of food under the table will happen, each dog is served a cool bowl of water and biscuit treats. Don’t forget to take home a doggie bag for you and your pup.

Every dog deserves a little pampering, and at Soggy Paws your dog can be groomed a little or a lot, as needed. Dog owners have the choice of selecting the self-service washing for their pooch, where products and space are provided. Soggy Paws also features a full-service washing station where pets are given a select washing session, which may include primp and preen services. It offers full-service professional grooming that includes a custom wash kit for your dog’s specific needs, whether it’s bringing luster back to a dull coat, aiding and correcting skin irritations or conditions, or just the basic monthly cleaning and scrub for your breed. At the end of the grooming experience, each dog leaves clean and freshly groomed with a treat for good behavior.

Sue Colerick loves to cook, bake, and share food and recipes with her friends and family. A freelance writer in Chicago, her work can be found atExaminer.com.

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